What happened, in summary

In February 2021, an emergency evaluation for a possible abdominal problem unexpectedly found a mass in the upper lobe of the right lung. Further testing led to a diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer adenocarcinoma. Tumor testing identified an EGFR exon 19 deletion, providing an additional treatment option.

The first phase of treatment was robotic-assisted surgery to remove the right upper lobe. Pathology showed that the cancer had involved a lymph node and invaded the visceral pleura, so chemotherapy followed. The next phase was a daily targeted-therapy tablet planned for up to three years. The treatment sequence required the patient to learn quickly about lung-cancer biology, mutation testing, and the purpose of each treatment.

The diagnosis also brought shame and self-blame because of the stigma often attached to lung cancer, including judgment about smoking history. Rather than continuing to search for one explanation, the patient chose to focus on treatment, life with spouse Bruno, faith, and advocacy. The patient became committed to challenging the idea that lung cancer is a punishment and to encouraging compassion for every person facing the disease.